How Much Does Abdominoplasty Cost?

Abdominoplasty flattens your belly and shapes your waistline. It’s usually considered elective surgery, so you may have to pay the abdominoplasty cost out of pocket.¹  

What is an abdominoplasty?

An abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, is a surgery to remove excess skin and fat from your abdomen and strengthen your abdominal muscles.² There are three different types.³

Full abdominoplasty

A full tummy tuck is for those with a lot of loose skin and fat. A surgeon makes an incision along your bikini line and another around your belly button. They free your skin from your muscles, then remove extra skin and fat from your entire abdomen. The goal is to contour your body by tightening your muscles and skin from your rib cage to your bikini line.⁴  

Partial abdominoplasty

When doctors perform a partial abdominoplasty, or a mini tummy tuck, they remove skin and fat from below your belly button only. This procedure is for those who have less excess skin. It usually involves a smaller incision and doesn’t affect your belly button.⁵ 

Circumferential abdominoplasty

Sometimes called a 360 tummy tuck, this procedure removes skin and fat from both your abdomen and back. You might have this type if you have a lot of excess skin around your entire midsection.⁶ 

Benefits of an abdominoplasty

You usually have a tummy tuck for contouring effects rather than medical reasons. But while it can improve your appearance, body sculpting is not the only benefit.  

Improves muscle tone

The most common cause of weak abdominal muscles is pregnancy.⁷ As your uterus stretches, your muscles separate to make room. The muscles also stretch and thin, which makes them weak.⁸ A tummy tuck removes the extra skin, repositions your muscles, and then tightens the connective tissue that lays over the top.⁹ This leads to better muscle tone and a stronger core.¹⁰ 

Can lessen back pain

Weak abdominal muscles can lead to poor posture and a sore back.¹¹ Surgically tightening the abdominal muscles can lead to a stronger abdominal wall, which can help lower back pain.¹² 

Reduce skin rashes and infections

Loose and sagging skin creates folds on your abdomen that trap heat and moisture.¹³ Your skin sticks together and the folds rub against each other, leading to inflamed skin and a bumpy, red rash.¹⁴ As the irritation gets worse, your skin becomes damaged. Bacteria and fungi can enter and cause infections.¹⁵ A tummy tuck removes extra skin folds, which can lower your risk for rashes and infections.¹⁶

Who should get a tummy tuck?

If you’re in good overall health and are concerned about your appearance or want to get rid of extra skin, a tummy tuck might be an option for you. A tummy tuck is major surgery, though, so it might not be for everyone.

People often have an abdominoplasty after one or more pregnancies. But if you plan to get pregnant in the future or are considering it, it’s best to wait until you’re done giving birth to more children before having the procedure.¹⁷ Otherwise, you’ll correct your muscles and then they’ll stretch again with the next pregnancy.

A tummy tuck can also be helpful if you’ve had massive weight loss and need help with sagging skin. If you plan to lose more weight, postpone a tummy tuck until your weight is stable.¹⁸

How is an abdominoplasty procedure done?

Depending on the type, a tummy tuck usually takes 2 to 5 hours to complete.¹⁹ It’s often an outpatient procedure, so you’ll be able to go home the same day after your surgery.²⁰ Your med team will observe you and make sure you’re stable before sending you home. Sometimes, you might need to stay overnight, especially if you live out of town. 

Before your surgery, you’ll meet with your doctor for tests, including bloodwork or heart tests. Your doctor will ensure you’re in good health and ready for major surgery. 

On the day of the procedure, you’ll receive general anesthesia, putting you to sleep. The surgeon will make an incision across your abdomen along your underwear line and separate the skin from your muscles.²¹ 

Next, they remove any excess skin and fat, reposition your muscles for the most improvement, and then permanently stitch the connective tissue over the muscles. Then they pull the skin back together and stitch it closed. You’ll have a scar, but it will be hidden below your bikini line.²²

Sometimes your surgeon will place a drain in your abdomen, which they’ll remove after a few days. You’ll wear a compression garment or an elastic bandage for about 6 weeks after surgery. You’ll need to take 4 to 6 weeks off work and limit your activity.

How much does abdominoplasty cost?

The average abdominoplasty cost is about $6,154, but this is only part of the fee. Prices can also vary depending on the type of abdominoplasty, any other procedures, and additional fees.²² 

Surgeon’s fee

A surgeon’s fee is based on their experience and training and on the type of procedure. If you combine procedures, your abdominoplasty cost will be higher.²³ 

Other fees

You will have additional costs on top of the surgeon’s fee. These can include fees for medical tests, hospital use, anesthesia, medications, and garments.²⁴ 

Insurance coverage

Most insurance plans consider a tummy tuck an elective surgery and will not offer coverage. Some might cover a percentage of the abdominoplasty cost if you also have surgery for a hernia or gastric bypass. Another drawback is that because a tummy tuck is considered cosmetic and surgery of choice, you might suffer higher premiums in the future if you do have the coverage.²⁵ 

Learn more 

You’re likely to pay out of pocket for abdominoplasty in most cases. Like most elective surgery, this will be expensive. 

If you’re curious about a tummy tuck, learn more from My Body Treatment or speak to a specialist. 

SOURCES:

1. Cleveland Clinic: “ Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck).”
2. Mayo Clinic: “ Tummy tuck.”
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23. American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “ How much does a tummy tuck cost?”
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25. Cleveland Clinic: “ Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck).”